A revised Tokuhashi score is calculated for a patient with spinal metastasis to decide between excision and palliative care. Which of the following is one of the six parameters in this scoring system?
- A Number of vertebral bodies involved by metastasis ✓
- B Age of the patient
- C Serum alkaline phosphatase level
- D Interval between diagnosis of primary tumour and spinal metastasis
Correct answer: A. Number of vertebral bodies involved by metastasis
Explanation
The revised Tokuhashi score uses six parameters: general condition (Karnofsky), number of extraspinal bone metastases, number of vertebral body metastases, metastases to major organs, primary site of the cancer, and severity of neurological palsy by Frankel grade. Age, biochemical markers, and time interval are not scored. A total score of 12 or more predicts survival beyond 12 months and supports excisional surgery, while low scores favour palliation.
Reference: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.